Sandra Stillwell Sophisticated Lady, Pt. 1

When Sandra Stillwell announced that her 2018 Convention would be in Cleveland, I'll admit that initially I groaned. Cleveland, Ohio wasn't exactly on my bucket list of places I wanted to visit. So why did I find myself boarding a plane to Cleveland anyway, you ask?

Because Sandra always delivers. Regardless of the city, Sandra Stilwell goes overboard to make sure her attendees have the most memorable time possible, and this year's “Sophisticated Lady” was no exception. As soon as I deplaned my red-eye flight, I was in the workroom of the Crowne Plaza, snapping photos of Sandra's new collection. But that's for another post. Today's post starts off on the first tour of the Convention, when Sandra had us whisked off to Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens.

If you think the house looks incredible, you're dead wrong...



because that’s just the carriage house. Hang on while we journey up the road a bit to the main mansion. Looks like Wayne Manor, doesn't it? Nope, it was the home of F. A. Seiberling, founder of the Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company. Built between 1912 and 1915, I can't even imagine the upkeep it would require.



Here's the entryway...you'll need to remember this for later on.



I'm all about the details. I hurriedly snapped this one as we were shuffled into the entryway to begin our tour.



Just a few highlights:









How about your own indoor pool?!?



Proof that I took these shots. Thanks Wayne!



In the attic area, a few of the family's vintage outfits were brought out of storage for us to peruse. Sadly, the guides forgot to show us the one that Sandra had recreated for us!



A few of our group after the tour when we were allowed to roam the property at our leisure:



Yes, we like to have fun.



The landscaping and gardens on the property were beautiful, too.









Cindy and Lynne take a rest on the butterfly bench:



Don't get too comfortable! We're on the way to Kent State to see the Katharine Hepburn exhibit!

See more Sandra Stillwell convention photos at my website. You can order these Sandra Stillwell outfits at her website...while they last!

Temple Tuesday: Texas Ranger

In 1936, Shirley Temple was an official marshall for the Texas Centennial. A commemorative doll was issued to celebrate the occasion, and has become a highly prized collectible. Produced by the Ideal Toy Company, the original 27" composition doll's outfit included a red rayon-satin shirt, bandana, twill shorts, heavy suede vest and chaps decorated with colorful suede and glass emblems, brown side-snap leatherette boots, brown socks, black leather belt with holster and metal toy "Buck" pistol, and with ten-gallon black felt hat with banner "Souvenir of Texas Centennial". At the Shirley Temple auction back in 2015, the doll shown below went for $8,500. Not bad for an item that had a presale estimate of $1,000! Shirley brings home the bacon, folks!



An original 27" has been on my bucket list for quite awhile, and I was finally able to check that one off. Presenting my Texas Ranger Shirley!



Completely refurbished by Cathy's Compos, this beauty has been restored to opening day freshness.



There are many who do not like restorations because they look “too new” or “overdone.” I myself typically prefer an original un-retouched Shirley, but I have to credit Cathy for a job well done with this one.



And if you think the outfit looks like it’s in incredible shape, well...it’s a reproduction, and a dang good one at that! Cathy threw in the genuine Stetson hat and toy pistol to boot.



…and I guarantee you I didn’t pay $8,500!

See more Shirley Temple doll photos at my main website.

Battle of the Parasols

Inspired by a 1948 Christian Dior gown, Blue & Red Parasol are two of the most sought after Gene Marshall Integrity dolls. Released in 2009, we first have Blue Parasol, who evokes Marilyn.



Still, Red Parasol is a knockout for me. I'm partial to the raven-haired Genes.



I think I'm going to have throw my vote in for ol’ Red.



How about you? Do you want to anger either one of these beauties?



See more Gene Marshall Jamieshow photos at my website.

Temple Tuesday: 20" of Composition!

Shirley wears this cute ensemble in the final scene of the 1934 classic "Bright Eyes." When I saw an original 1930s Ideal 20" outfit come up for sale, I had to get it. But there was one problem...I didn't have a 20" composition doll to model it! I found the website dollfixer.com and within days, had a 1930's Ideal 20" composition doll waiting on my doorstep. What a beauty, and what a great price! She came in an outfit from "Captain January."



A total vintage stunner!



Here she proudly models the "Bright Eyes" outfit:



See more Shirley Temple doll photos at my main website.

Ladies Who Launch

Released in 2006 by Integrity, "Ladies Who Launch" (I've also seen it referred to as "Ladies Who Lunch") was inspired by a Helen Rose outfit.



The face paint and hair color makes this one of my very favorite Integrity dolls; sadly, the body on most of these dolls have gone yellow and crispy. One false move of the arms or legs and you've got a lot of little chipped pieces. Photoshop helped remove the yellow for this post.



See more Gene Marshall Integrity photos at my website.

Temple Tuesday: Cutie Pie

This 18" immediately became a favorite of mine. When I showed Melissa (aka "The Colonel") a photo of her, she dubbed her "Cutie Pie." With these two images, I think you can see why. All original composition doll from Ideal wearing a red music note dress from the movie "Our Little Girl."



See more Shirley Temple doll photos at my main website.

Happy Birthday, Shirley: Evolution of a Dress

In the 1937 Shirley Temple classic, "Heidi," the curly haired moppet wears a gorgeous velvet dress for Christmas. Here's a recent shot of how that dress looks in person. I was surprised to see it was royal blue, not black.



In 1983, the Ideal Toy Company recreated this dress for their 17" vinyl Shirley doll. Loved the dress, but the doll...fairly creepy. She has been dubbed many names, including the Barbra Streisand doll. She looks nothing like Shirley. Ugh.



Years later, I photographed a Danbury Mint porcelain doll in that dress. MUCH better.



When I acquired a 24" Shirley by doll artist Virginia Turner, I was less than impressed by the outfit it came with, as well as the oddly shaped body which was a mixture of porcelain for the face, arms, and legs, with a poorly fitting plastic torso. I commissioned Diane Wagner to recreate the "Heidi" dress in its original blue color. To say she met my expectations is a complete understatement. There were "fittings" where I attempted from a few states away to pin, photograph, and mark the muslin dress Diane had sent for sizing. I was completely out of my element, but somehow it all came together. In fact, it came together so well that I thought the dress was wasted on the porcelain piece of poo, and it was elevated up to a classic 25" 1930's composition Shirley:



Wow. Wow. Wow.



Thanks so much, Diane, for making Shirley's 90th Birthday dress!

See more Shirley Temple doll photos at my main website.